Kenya: Uhuru, Museveni Join Kenyans In Marking 52nd Madaraka Day Fete

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Uganda's Yoweri Museveni arrive at State House, Nairobi ahead of the 52nd Madaraka Day fete. (Image source: thestar.co.ke)

Celebrations to mark the 52nd Madaraka Day have began at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi where more than 30,000 people were expected.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Uganda's Yoweri Museveni, who met briefly at State House, have arrived at the stadium for the festivities.

Local media reports continue:

Deputy President William Ruto is also present.

Security has been heightened at the stadium, police saying hawkers will not be allowed inside.

Thousands of other officers have been deployed across the county to ensure safety.

Capital FM News reports security has been beefed up in Nairobi ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations set for Monday at the Nyayo National Stadium.

National Celebrations Steering Regional Coordinator Njoroge Ndirangu announced Sunday that thousands of police officers will be deployed to patrol within the estates and the city centre to ensure law and order is maintained.

“I want to assure you that security measures have been put in place and adequate personnel to ensure that the public enjoy all the celebrations in a safe and secure place,” he told a news conference on Sunday.

Ndirangu said gates will be opened as early as 6 am, with guests expected to be seated by 8 am before President Uhuru Kenyatta makes his way there at 11 am.

No hawkers will be allowed at the venue for security reasons.

Kenyans have been urged to turn up in large numbers as sign of patriotism and a way of appreciating our heroes’ efforts in liberating the country from colonial rule.

“We are expecting over 30, 000 Kenyans to show up for the event, I wish to make an appeal that we come early to avoid long queues and inconveniences,” he said.

Variety of entertainment has been organized with popular artists that include Solomon Mukabwa, Dominic Khaemba as well as Mass Choir performance by Kabarak University and SDA Mass Choir expected to entertain the crowd.

These will be third Madaraka Day fete to be led by the Jubilee administration.

The celebration comes as the Government continues to face various challenges, including security which is posing a challenge to the country’s security forces after repeated attacks at the border points.

The president is expected to address these challenges among others.

Madaraka Day, A Time To Reflect And Plan – Daily Nation Editorial

In Summary

• Far too many cases of high-level corruption have gone unpunished.
• There is a need to rethink and revamp the national security strategy.

As Kenya marks its 52nd Madaraka Day, it is important for the national leadership as well as the citizenry to take stock of the country’s strengths and weaknesses with a view to mapping out a better, brighter, and safer future for all.

In recent years, the country has faced many challenges, especially runaway insecurity and corruption, which not only call for deep introspection but also workable and long-term strategies to deal with them.

Far too many cases of high-level corruption have gone unpunished, sending out the signal that the government and its leadership lack the political will to prosecute, jail, and surcharge those who divert public wealth to enrich themselves.

Kenyans are also worried that not enough is being done to clamp down on terrorism, banditry, and other forms of crime, thereby diminishing public confidence in the security agencies.

There is, therefore, a need to rethink and revamp the national security strategy to not only pre-empt attacks but also to respond to them swiftly, efficiently, and in a manner that inspires public confidence.

There are multiple benefits from adopting such a strategy, not least being the revival of tourism, one of the key anchors of the economy, which has taken a beating due to insecurity.

Besides the challenges, this is also an important opportunity for the country to pause and take stock of its successes over the years and celebrate them and the Kenyans who have made the country shine at home and abroad in all fields, from business to sports.

The 52nd Madaraka Day should be a day when Kenyans ask themselves what kind of a country they would wish to bequeath posterity and what role each individual can play to make that future a reality.

Sources: Daily Nation/Capital FM News/The Star